Uses
What is Vemlidy used for?
Vemlidy (tenofovir alafenamide) is commonly used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B infection.
Vemlidy may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Vemlidy work (mechanism of action)?
In people with hepatitis B, Vemlidy works to help stop the spread of the hepatitis B virus. This helps protect the liver and can prevent the virus from causing further damage.
How is Vemlidy supplied (dosage forms)?
Vemlidy is available as 25 mg oral tablets that are taken by mouth.
How should I store Vemlidy?
Vemlidy should be stored at room temperature, below 86 F (30 C). Store in a cool, dry place, tightly closed in the original container.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Vemlidy?
The most common side effects of Vemlidy are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Headache
- Stomach discomfort or pain
- Cough
- Back or joint pain
- Tiredness
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
There may be other side effects of Vemlidy that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Vemlidy?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Vemlidy are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when taking Vemlidy. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.
- Reduced need to pee
- Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Difficulty catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Seizures
Lactic Acidosis. Vemlidy may cause lactic acidosis (a buildup of lactic acid in your blood), which can be serious. Stop taking Vemlidy and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of lactic acidosis.
- General ill feeling
- Muscle pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Drowsiness
- Stomach pain
Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking Vemlidy. This can cause serious liver problems that can lead to death. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach or belly pain
- Fever
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Light-colored poop
- Dark-colored urine (pee)
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
Severe Allergic Reactions. Vemlidy may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Vemlidy and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Vemlidy?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Vemlidy.
- Vemlidy
- Tenofovir alafenamide
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Vemlidy.
What should I know about Vemlidy before using it?
Do not take Vemlidy unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Take each dose of Vemlidy with food.
Do not share Vemlidy with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Vemlidy out of the reach of children.
Stopping Vemlidy can cause a serious flare-up, or worsening, of your hepatitis B. Do not run out of Vemlidy or stop taking it without talking to your healthcare provider first. If you stop taking Vemlidy, keep all appointments for blood work so your healthcare provider can check the health of your liver.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Vemlidy?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Vemlidy is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- HIV
- Kidney problems
Other Medicines and Supplements. Vemlidy may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Vemlidy, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Vemlidy could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Vemlidy while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Vemlidy, you can register for the Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry by visiting www.apregistry.com. This registry collects safety information about the use of antiretroviral medicines during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding. Vemlidy passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Vemlidy while breastfeeding.
How can I get more information about Vemlidy?
For more information about Vemlidy, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.vemlidy.com or call them at 800-445-3235.
Interactions
Does Vemlidy interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Vemlidy and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Vemlidy.
Does Vemlidy interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Vemlidy.
- Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others), which is a medicine used to control seizures
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol, and others), which is a medicine commonly used to treat seizures or nerve pain
- Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal, Oxtellar XR), which is a medicine used to treat seizures
- Phenobarbital, which is a medicine that may be used to treat insomnia, migraines, or seizures
- Rifampin (Rifadin) or rifapentine (Priftin), which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
- Rifabutin (Mycobutin), which is a medicine used to prevent Mycobacterium avium complex disease
- St. John’s wort, which is a supplement that may be used to treat depression
- Any aminoglycoside antibiotic, such as amikacin or gentamicin, which is given by injection to treat infections
- A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which are contained in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
- Any medicine for HIV or AIDS
- A medicine for hepatitis C
- Any medicine for treating a viral infection
Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of Vemlidy. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Vemlidy. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Vemlidy?
If you or someone else has used too much Vemlidy, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Vemlidy?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Missing doses of Vemlidy can cause it not to work as well over time. So it is very important not to miss or skip doses.
Are you currently using Vemlidy (tenofovir alafenamide)?
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